Global Trade Director, Foreign Policy Advisor

• 2022 - Present

Consulting General Counsel, External Affairs Advisor

• 2020 - 2022

I joined this startup company developing an app that encourages early investment in a child’s future educational opportunities through enrollment in the nation’s underutilized 529 plans for higher education. The startup aims to make a quality education affordable for all through financial literacy and increased awareness about saving through 529 plans with a goal of alleviating future student debt. I provide a broad range of legal and external relations services, drawing on business… Show more I joined this startup company developing an app that encourages early investment in a child’s future educational opportunities through enrollment in the nation’s underutilized 529 plans for higher education. The startup aims to make a quality education affordable for all through financial literacy and increased awareness about saving through 529 plans with a goal of alleviating future student debt. I provide a broad range of legal and external relations services, drawing on business, government, and political relationships developed nationwide. • I established the Sootchy Charitable Foundation to pursue tax exempt 501(c) 3 certification and make gifts to entities advancing poverty alleviation through access to educational opportunities for underserved populations. • Assist in resolving various privacy, consumer, copyright, trademark, and cybersecurity matters. • Compose such outreach materials and agreements as proposed proclamations, letters to government officials, language and discussion points for grant proposals, and memoranda of understanding. • Represent the company at a variety of external events. Show less I joined this startup company developing an app that encourages early investment in a child’s future educational opportunities through enrollment in the nation’s underutilized 529 plans for higher education. The startup aims to make a quality education affordable for all through financial literacy and increased awareness about saving through 529 plans with a goal of alleviating future student debt. I provide a broad range of legal and external relations services, drawing on business… Show more I joined this startup company developing an app that encourages early investment in a child’s future educational opportunities through enrollment in the nation’s underutilized 529 plans for higher education. The startup aims to make a quality education affordable for all through financial literacy and increased awareness about saving through 529 plans with a goal of alleviating future student debt. I provide a broad range of legal and external relations services, drawing on business, government, and political relationships developed nationwide. • I established the Sootchy Charitable Foundation to pursue tax exempt 501(c) 3 certification and make gifts to entities advancing poverty alleviation through access to educational opportunities for underserved populations. • Assist in resolving various privacy, consumer, copyright, trademark, and cybersecurity matters. • Compose such outreach materials and agreements as proposed proclamations, letters to government officials, language and discussion points for grant proposals, and memoranda of understanding. • Represent the company at a variety of external events. Show less

Senior Advisor

• 2017 - 2021

With this global business consultancy, I worked with such clients as a major accounting firm seeking to further expand into global markets and a US subsidiary of a Chinese company regarding exporting goods to Mexico. • Analyzed client firms’ overall holdings and offerings to develop strategies to expand different businesses while advising on geopolitical, legislative, and regulatory issues; public relations matters as well as reputational and other global issues that may affect brand… Show more With this global business consultancy, I worked with such clients as a major accounting firm seeking to further expand into global markets and a US subsidiary of a Chinese company regarding exporting goods to Mexico. • Analyzed client firms’ overall holdings and offerings to develop strategies to expand different businesses while advising on geopolitical, legislative, and regulatory issues; public relations matters as well as reputational and other global issues that may affect brand, viability, and profitability. Show less With this global business consultancy, I worked with such clients as a major accounting firm seeking to further expand into global markets and a US subsidiary of a Chinese company regarding exporting goods to Mexico. • Analyzed client firms’ overall holdings and offerings to develop strategies to expand different businesses while advising on geopolitical, legislative, and regulatory issues; public relations matters as well as reputational and other global issues that may affect brand… Show more With this global business consultancy, I worked with such clients as a major accounting firm seeking to further expand into global markets and a US subsidiary of a Chinese company regarding exporting goods to Mexico. • Analyzed client firms’ overall holdings and offerings to develop strategies to expand different businesses while advising on geopolitical, legislative, and regulatory issues; public relations matters as well as reputational and other global issues that may affect brand, viability, and profitability. Show less

Senior Director International Corporate Affairs

• 2008 - 2017

Here, I advised senior management on developing and implementing government relations and communication strategies to facilitate investment, growth, development, sourcing, and other business objectives in emerging markets. My portfolio initially included Asia (China, India, and Japan) but expanded to include Latin America and subsequently expanded again to include the company’s entry into Africa. • Served as international corporate affairs lead on mergers and acquisitions valued in the… Show more Here, I advised senior management on developing and implementing government relations and communication strategies to facilitate investment, growth, development, sourcing, and other business objectives in emerging markets. My portfolio initially included Asia (China, India, and Japan) but expanded to include Latin America and subsequently expanded again to include the company’s entry into Africa. • Served as international corporate affairs lead on mergers and acquisitions valued in the billions. • Advised the global e-commerce team on government relations and regulatory issues related to Wal-Mart’s successful acquisition of a Chinese e-commerce company and e-commerce issues in Brazil. • Collaborated with colleagues in India and the US to advance US-India government relations strategy regarding India foreign direct investment policy for multi-brand retail. • Addressed government and public relations matters regarding China business issues such as store approvals, business expansion, sustainability initiative, and national-treatment issues dealing with the foreign retail sector and labor relations, and the Trust-Mart acquisition, a joint venture fully acquired. • Acted as a first responder to a New York Times article unfavorable to Walmart practices in Mexico and worked with legal to restore the Walmart public reputation by substantially reinforcing compliance. • Key participant in a team of representatives from 9 large retailers to improve health and safety standards and inspections in manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh. • I advised the company against participating in EU hearings regarding global tax strategies, a decision that enabled avoidance of potential investigations and bad publicity. • Led multiple cross-functional and multinational teams in a highly matrixed organization—including establishing and leading the company’s first global e-commerce/digital public policy team. Show less Here, I advised senior management on developing and implementing government relations and communication strategies to facilitate investment, growth, development, sourcing, and other business objectives in emerging markets. My portfolio initially included Asia (China, India, and Japan) but expanded to include Latin America and subsequently expanded again to include the company’s entry into Africa. • Served as international corporate affairs lead on mergers and acquisitions valued in the… Show more Here, I advised senior management on developing and implementing government relations and communication strategies to facilitate investment, growth, development, sourcing, and other business objectives in emerging markets. My portfolio initially included Asia (China, India, and Japan) but expanded to include Latin America and subsequently expanded again to include the company’s entry into Africa. • Served as international corporate affairs lead on mergers and acquisitions valued in the billions. • Advised the global e-commerce team on government relations and regulatory issues related to Wal-Mart’s successful acquisition of a Chinese e-commerce company and e-commerce issues in Brazil. • Collaborated with colleagues in India and the US to advance US-India government relations strategy regarding India foreign direct investment policy for multi-brand retail. • Addressed government and public relations matters regarding China business issues such as store approvals, business expansion, sustainability initiative, and national-treatment issues dealing with the foreign retail sector and labor relations, and the Trust-Mart acquisition, a joint venture fully acquired. • Acted as a first responder to a New York Times article unfavorable to Walmart practices in Mexico and worked with legal to restore the Walmart public reputation by substantially reinforcing compliance. • Key participant in a team of representatives from 9 large retailers to improve health and safety standards and inspections in manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh. • I advised the company against participating in EU hearings regarding global tax strategies, a decision that enabled avoidance of potential investigations and bad publicity. • Led multiple cross-functional and multinational teams in a highly matrixed organization—including establishing and leading the company’s first global e-commerce/digital public policy team. Show less

Director Global Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs

• 2004 - 2007

With PwC, I supported the managing partner for global public policy and regulatory affairs on multiple issues related to regulatory and legislative matters, public policy positioning, and communication of firm and profession views. Contributed to developing and drafting of rebranding strategy to assist the firm’s global and US executive and board leadership in improving the public policy environment. Also, I served as primary liaison with regulatory partners throughout the firm’s international… Show more With PwC, I supported the managing partner for global public policy and regulatory affairs on multiple issues related to regulatory and legislative matters, public policy positioning, and communication of firm and profession views. Contributed to developing and drafting of rebranding strategy to assist the firm’s global and US executive and board leadership in improving the public policy environment. Also, I served as primary liaison with regulatory partners throughout the firm’s international network and the office of the Global General Counsel regarding global regulatory issues such as independence, corporate governance, and audit quality as well as to prepare responses to requests for comment by US and foreign regulators. I advised PwC foreign network firms on the impact of US regulatory proposals on foreign firms. • Led the organization’s participation in a dialogue in Dalian, China, sponsored by Big Six international accounting firms and moderated by PwC's Global CEO to engage the profession's constituency including members of firms, investors, companies, and regulators on globalization of capital markets, future of financial reporting, and investor needs. • Worked with firm’s general counsel, office of government and regulatory affairs, and outside counsel in the preparation of the firm’s response arguing against U.S. Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight proposal, recommending audit firm rotation for Government Sponsored Enterprises. • Served as a primary liaison on global public policy and regulatory issues to executives of other Big Four firms and between legal and business entities at PwC. • Worked with representatives of other accounting firms that comprised the 6-firm “Global Public Policy Committee (GPPC)” to prepare agendas, review and comment on Global CEO message points, and monitor progress of work on GPPC and Global CEO priorities. Show less With PwC, I supported the managing partner for global public policy and regulatory affairs on multiple issues related to regulatory and legislative matters, public policy positioning, and communication of firm and profession views. Contributed to developing and drafting of rebranding strategy to assist the firm’s global and US executive and board leadership in improving the public policy environment. Also, I served as primary liaison with regulatory partners throughout the firm’s international… Show more With PwC, I supported the managing partner for global public policy and regulatory affairs on multiple issues related to regulatory and legislative matters, public policy positioning, and communication of firm and profession views. Contributed to developing and drafting of rebranding strategy to assist the firm’s global and US executive and board leadership in improving the public policy environment. Also, I served as primary liaison with regulatory partners throughout the firm’s international network and the office of the Global General Counsel regarding global regulatory issues such as independence, corporate governance, and audit quality as well as to prepare responses to requests for comment by US and foreign regulators. I advised PwC foreign network firms on the impact of US regulatory proposals on foreign firms. • Led the organization’s participation in a dialogue in Dalian, China, sponsored by Big Six international accounting firms and moderated by PwC's Global CEO to engage the profession's constituency including members of firms, investors, companies, and regulators on globalization of capital markets, future of financial reporting, and investor needs. • Worked with firm’s general counsel, office of government and regulatory affairs, and outside counsel in the preparation of the firm’s response arguing against U.S. Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight proposal, recommending audit firm rotation for Government Sponsored Enterprises. • Served as a primary liaison on global public policy and regulatory issues to executives of other Big Four firms and between legal and business entities at PwC. • Worked with representatives of other accounting firms that comprised the 6-firm “Global Public Policy Committee (GPPC)” to prepare agendas, review and comment on Global CEO message points, and monitor progress of work on GPPC and Global CEO priorities. Show less

Counsel

• 2001 - 2004

As Internal Counsel to a prominent lobbying and public relations firm, I provided legal advice regarding a wide range of issues and assisted in developing new business. I represented the firm in high-profile cases, responded to media inquiries, prepared witnesses for grand jury appearances, and served as a primary liaison to Congressional committees. Also, I crafted public statements and written responses to press inquiries, subpoenas, and document requests and developed the firm’s response to… Show more As Internal Counsel to a prominent lobbying and public relations firm, I provided legal advice regarding a wide range of issues and assisted in developing new business. I represented the firm in high-profile cases, responded to media inquiries, prepared witnesses for grand jury appearances, and served as a primary liaison to Congressional committees. Also, I crafted public statements and written responses to press inquiries, subpoenas, and document requests and developed the firm’s response to a motion raising complex attorney-client privilege issues. As a member of a bipartisan firm, I provided a variety of consulting services to Democratic leaders. • Advised a major client on legal and Congressional investigations arising from the Marc Rich pardon. • Key contributor to draft testimony for 3 nationally televised Congressional hearings. • Contributed to the firm’s response to issues related to its representation of Enron. • Assisted a leading lobbying and public relations firm in litigation stemming from the billion-dollar Swiss Re v. World Trade Center property holders’ lawsuit. • Key participant in structuring and negotiating the multimillion-dollar sale of the firm to WPP, plc. Show less As Internal Counsel to a prominent lobbying and public relations firm, I provided legal advice regarding a wide range of issues and assisted in developing new business. I represented the firm in high-profile cases, responded to media inquiries, prepared witnesses for grand jury appearances, and served as a primary liaison to Congressional committees. Also, I crafted public statements and written responses to press inquiries, subpoenas, and document requests and developed the firm’s response to… Show more As Internal Counsel to a prominent lobbying and public relations firm, I provided legal advice regarding a wide range of issues and assisted in developing new business. I represented the firm in high-profile cases, responded to media inquiries, prepared witnesses for grand jury appearances, and served as a primary liaison to Congressional committees. Also, I crafted public statements and written responses to press inquiries, subpoenas, and document requests and developed the firm’s response to a motion raising complex attorney-client privilege issues. As a member of a bipartisan firm, I provided a variety of consulting services to Democratic leaders. • Advised a major client on legal and Congressional investigations arising from the Marc Rich pardon. • Key contributor to draft testimony for 3 nationally televised Congressional hearings. • Contributed to the firm’s response to issues related to its representation of Enron. • Assisted a leading lobbying and public relations firm in litigation stemming from the billion-dollar Swiss Re v. World Trade Center property holders’ lawsuit. • Key participant in structuring and negotiating the multimillion-dollar sale of the firm to WPP, plc. Show less

White House Liaison

• 1999 - 2001

In the second of two assignments at Treasury, I advised the Secretary of the Treasury on Presidential appointments to Department of the Treasury and other agencies, boards, and commissions for which Department of the Treasury held oversight responsibility or was required or requested to advise on the appointment, working closely with White House staff. I interviewed and advised candidates on ethics requirements and processes and protocols of political appointments. • I assisted the… Show more In the second of two assignments at Treasury, I advised the Secretary of the Treasury on Presidential appointments to Department of the Treasury and other agencies, boards, and commissions for which Department of the Treasury held oversight responsibility or was required or requested to advise on the appointment, working closely with White House staff. I interviewed and advised candidates on ethics requirements and processes and protocols of political appointments. • I assisted the Treasury’s General Counsel, the Office of Legislative Affairs, and candidates in developing strategies for Senate confirmation by identifying and addressing ethical and political questions that might present issues for Senate confirmation. • I consulted with Cabinet Affairs and other offices within the Executive Office of the President on issues requiring Treasury policy guidance, response, and participation.

Special Assistant to the Secretary for Financial Markets

• 1996 - 1999

I supported the Assistant Secretary for Financial Markets, who advised the Secretary of the Treasury on federal government policies pertaining to financial markets, debt management, and government finance. I assisted with policy, management, budget, and personnel determinations within the purview of the office of the Assistant Secretary. • I prepared memoranda for the Secretary of the Treasury and other Treasury officials and participated in the President’s Working Group on Financial… Show more I supported the Assistant Secretary for Financial Markets, who advised the Secretary of the Treasury on federal government policies pertaining to financial markets, debt management, and government finance. I assisted with policy, management, budget, and personnel determinations within the purview of the office of the Assistant Secretary. • I prepared memoranda for the Secretary of the Treasury and other Treasury officials and participated in the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets.

Special Counsel to the President

• 1994 - 1996

In this role, I directed attorneys and staff responsible for vetting candidates for high-level political appointments to government agencies, boards, commissions, and federal judgeships, ensuring vetting processes were adapted as necessary to current events, new legislation, and views or concerns of the public, the Administration, and Congress. I reviewed public research, IRS information, and FBI background investigations of candidates to identify sensitive issues, and potential political… Show more In this role, I directed attorneys and staff responsible for vetting candidates for high-level political appointments to government agencies, boards, commissions, and federal judgeships, ensuring vetting processes were adapted as necessary to current events, new legislation, and views or concerns of the public, the Administration, and Congress. I reviewed public research, IRS information, and FBI background investigations of candidates to identify sensitive issues, and potential political problems for confirmation and interviewed candidates for presidential appointments to the Clinton Administration. • I led candidates through the appointment process by resolving present and potential problems; assessed candidates based on legal, political, and social issues; and prepared memoranda for Counsels to the President. Show less In this role, I directed attorneys and staff responsible for vetting candidates for high-level political appointments to government agencies, boards, commissions, and federal judgeships, ensuring vetting processes were adapted as necessary to current events, new legislation, and views or concerns of the public, the Administration, and Congress. I reviewed public research, IRS information, and FBI background investigations of candidates to identify sensitive issues, and potential political… Show more In this role, I directed attorneys and staff responsible for vetting candidates for high-level political appointments to government agencies, boards, commissions, and federal judgeships, ensuring vetting processes were adapted as necessary to current events, new legislation, and views or concerns of the public, the Administration, and Congress. I reviewed public research, IRS information, and FBI background investigations of candidates to identify sensitive issues, and potential political problems for confirmation and interviewed candidates for presidential appointments to the Clinton Administration. • I led candidates through the appointment process by resolving present and potential problems; assessed candidates based on legal, political, and social issues; and prepared memoranda for Counsels to the President. Show less

Counsel to the Large Loan Resolution Task Force

• 1994 - 1994

In this second of two assignments at agriculture, I provided legal advice to the task force on matters relating to collection of non-performing large loans. I reviewed the delinquent portfolio of Farmers Home Administration loans and advised the task force of legal rights, remedies, and causes of action. • I served as liaison to the United States Department of Justice to coordinate settlement or litigation of claims on behalf of the government.

Assitsant to the Deputy Director for Public Affairs

• 1993 - 1994

I supported the Deputy Director in responding to written requests from the public and created and distributed certain agency publications, supervised the Office of Public Affairs staff of 20, and reviewed, responded to, and assigned as appropriate Freedom of Information Act requests. • I also served as Acting Deputy Director, Office of Public Affairs, in the Deputy Director's absence.

Associate Attorney

• 1991 - 1993

Served as associate attorney specializing in banking and corporate law. Researched and prepared briefs, motions, and pleadings involving FDIC and RTC issues. Negotiated contracts, settlements and mediated discovery disputes. Coordinated and facilitated execution of clients bankruptcy plans. Appeared in the United States Bankruptcy Court, the Circuit Court and Chancery Court. Served as associate attorney specializing in banking and corporate law. Researched and prepared briefs, motions, and pleadings involving FDIC and RTC issues. Negotiated contracts, settlements and mediated discovery disputes. Coordinated and facilitated execution of clients bankruptcy plans. Appeared in the United States Bankruptcy Court, the Circuit Court and Chancery Court.

Judicial Law Clerk to Judge James Cooper

• 1990 - 1991

Prepared bench memoranda, analyzed motions and assisted in drafting, editing, and proofing opinions. Prepared bench memoranda, analyzed motions and assisted in drafting, editing, and proofing opinions.